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Another thing: how the second pregnancy will differ from the first
On the one hand, you already know what to prepare for. On the other hand, it is quite possible that the second experience will be absolutely different from the first and will have to be experienced as the first time.
Every woman is unique, and pregnancy is even more unique. And not necessarily the second and the next will be similar to the first. In many ways, the course of pregnancy depends on the health of the expectant mother and her emotional state. And it can vary greatly over time.
obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductive specialist of the European Medical Center
After the first pregnancy, which passed without features and complications, women calmly relate to the onset of the second. Conversely, if the pregnancy proceeded with various complications, the news of the second is met with alarm. However, just because you already have one baby doesn’t mean you know exactly what to expect from your second pregnancy.
Some women believe that the second experience was more difficult for them than the first, but this depends on each person. A lot matters. For example, at what age did the second pregnancy occur – often the interval between childbirth is quite large, and during this time a woman could acquire some kind of disease that affects her overall well-being. And if it is too small, then the body may not have recovered yet after the first birth.
Others claim that they gained less weight than during the previous pregnancy and that labor was quicker and easier. If you had complications during a previous pregnancy, this does not mean that you will definitely have the same problems later. But there is always a difference, even minimal.
About the stomach and appearance
The second pregnancy becomes visible earlier externally due to overstretched abdominal muscles. Therefore, it is likely that they will begin to congratulate you by the end of the first trimester, even if you have not announced anything yet.
For the same reason, during the second pregnancy, you may notice that the baby is positioned lower than the first time. The abdominal muscles are not only stretched, but also weakened, unless, of course, you are not a fitness guru. In most cases, the walls of the abdomen cannot support the baby as well as the first time.
The good news here is that there is now less fetal pressure on the lungs, so you can breathe easier than during your first pregnancy. Some women have fewer digestive problems because the stomach has less pressure. However, the low position of the baby in the abdomen puts pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urge to urinate and pelvic discomfort.
You will be able to feel the first movements of your baby about two weeks earlier than in the first pregnancy.
About toxicosis
Often worried about early toxicosis – whether to wait for it during subsequent pregnancies. There is hardly anything to be said for sure. If he was not in the first pregnancy, that will not be in the second. Perhaps it will be, and even with the addition: as if the body is acting out for the first easy experience. On the other hand, if toxicosis was, it is possible that the second time will do without it. However, it must be borne in mind that the risk of early toxicosis is higher if you experienced nausea and vomiting during your first pregnancy.
About well-being
Feeling constantly sleepy or tired is one of the first symptoms of any pregnancy. This is because the level of the hormone progesterone rises, which leads to more pronounced fatigue than usual. This feeling may be more pronounced in subsequent pregnancies as you get older. In addition, symptoms such as back and lower back pain may appear earlier the second time than the first.
About complications
Women who have previously had problems with gestational diabetes or preeclampsia should be careful during their second pregnancy as they are at increased risk of these complications recurring. For example, women who had gestational diabetes during their first pregnancy are 41,3 percent more likely to get the disease again, compared to 4,2 percent for everyone else.
About childbirth
False contractions of the uterus appear earlier in the second pregnancy. This is because the “experienced” uterus begins to prepare for childbirth earlier. Rebirths are usually faster than first births.
About recovery
Postpartum recovery will be different. Contractions of the uterus in the postpartum period are more painful after repeated birth. The muscles of the perineum and pelvic floor are also more stretched after repeated births and require special procedures and exercises to strengthen them. Restoring the figure will also require more effort.
In the first pregnancy, there are many expectations and ideas about how pregnancy and childbirth should take place, in the second pregnancy there are already clear ideas and knowledge of how it should be.
The second pregnancy, on the one hand, is easier, because a woman is already familiar with hormonal changes that affect mood, condition and well-being. Also, a woman is already familiar with changes in the body, in taste preferences, in relationships with her husband and loved ones.
On the other hand, there may be a feeling of guilt in front of the first child, especially if he is small and now asks for attention and love in his address, as well as in front of her husband and relations with him. After all, everyday aspects, attention to the first child, relations with her husband, no one paused. And here the second pregnancy is added. Also a necessary moment is the preparation of the older child for the appearance of a new family member.
What is important is how the woman herself perceives her second pregnancy, how not only she, but also her relatives, husband, parents, what was the experience of the first pregnancy, as well as the state and attitude of the woman are related to her (pregnancy).